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In 2011, Teknicraft Design of New Zealand designed and engineered what is believed to be one of the Þ rst quad propeller propulsion systems for a catamaran hull in the U.S. Designed for a newbuild, 134-foot research vessel recently delivered to C & C Technologies, Inc. of Lafayette, LA, the propulsion system had to accommodate many multi-missioned tasks. These will include shallow water hydrographic surveys, deep water offshore surveys and AUV operations. ÒItÕs been about a three or four year story for me,Ó said Scott Croft, Vice President of the Geosciences Division of C & C Technologies, speaking of the design and build process. The concept for the Sea Scout started with the general arrangement drawing of a NOAA catamaran vessel called the Manta. Croft said this was the type of vessel C & C Technologies was looking for. The company chose a catamaran hull because it features more deck space than conventional vessels, allowing C & C Technologies to carry all the survey equipment it requires to serve its customers. To get enough deck space on a conventional monohull would have meant a heavier ship and the need for greater horsepower. In addition, the company wanted fuel efÞ ciency at a variety of speeds including slow surveying at just a few knots and high transit speeds to and from the work site. ÒThe concept of quad propeller propulsion was part of the conversation early on,Ó Croft said. The initial proposals were for a two engine, two propeller vessel using electric engines run by generators for low speeds and conventional diesels for full speed. However, said Croft, Òit was never proved out in concept that it could work for C & CÕs application.Ó Croft said they also looked at jet drives at one point, Quad Propeller Propulsion A New Option for Catamaran Workboats ABOVE: A view of the stern of the R/V Sea Scout and its four propellers during the build process. Photo courtesy All American Marine By Raina Clark 42 MNJuly 2012
